FALL 1998
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In this issue
General Motors, Mayo, 3M offer ISU degrees Computer literacy class helps at-risk teens succeed Extension curriculum helps workers succeed In Calhoun County __________ |
Computer literacy
class In Des Moines this summer, a group of teens invested in their future. They learned basic computer skills that can help them get higher-paying jobs and succeed in school. About 300 at-risk teenagers, ages 12 to 21, were involved in Computer Connections, a program designed to teach computer and basic literacy sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Des Moines Public Schools.
Computer Connections was taught by Iowa State University students who showed interest in a summer service-learning project. Funds earmarked for service learning were used to train volunteer students with a good background in computer science. About 60 ISU students underwent an intensive training program that covered topics such as positive discipline, teaching techniques, school policies, first aid, CPR and an introduction to dealing with at-risk students. The Des Moines School District's definition of an at-risk student is different from that of many people. "I think people think of at-risk kids as all 'druggies' or discipline problems, and that's not true," said Suzanne Tomlinson, an ISU computer science instructor who works with the program. Students designated at-risk simply have a greater likelihood of dropping out of school before they graduate or turn 18. "They're good kids, really. We haven't had a lot of problems," said Beth Wilcke, an ISU junior who taught a Computer Connections class at Central Campus. Her partner, ISU sophomore Kristi McConnell, agreed. "I feel they've learned a lot," she said. "Hopefully they'll be able to use what they've learned in school or at work." Beth and Kristi were responsible for a group of about 10 students. Their class met once a week for eight weeks, and each class lasted seven hours. On any given day of the week, five groups like Beth and Kristi's were in session. The Computer Connections curriculum focused on computer basics. The students used word processing programs to make invitations to an open house and write resumes. They also had Internet access as well as personal e-mail addresses. Using the Internet was many students' favorite part of the class. Thirteen-year-old Karyn Fuller liked using chat rooms, and 16-year-old Jeremy Karnes liked using browsers. The class also covered spreadsheets, data entry work and presentation software. A day in class wasn't just computers, though. Time was set aside for recreation, snacks, breaks and group meetings. The Central Campus group used meeting time to discuss whether students should be allowed to use chat rooms on the Internet. After hearing both the students' and teachers' feelings on the matter, the entire group drafted a set of guidelines for using the rooms. Cooperation and interaction like this built a sense of community among the students. "I enjoy this class," said Eric Prusick, 17, "especially meeting and talking to people." The Des Moines students gained positive role models, became aware of educational opportunities that exist after high school and built their computer skills. The ISU students improved their leadership, organizational and technical skills, and gained a valuable service-learning experience. |
